Business Directories such as this were common right up until the widespread use of the internet and search engines such as Google to find information. Universal Business Directories were a company which sought advertisers from local areas to offset the cost of producing the directories. This directory includes a history of Bendigo, map and recipes as well as extensive listings for local business, trades and services. 50 page, three colour commercially printed business directory designed to by hung beside the telephone. Includes advertising and listings for a wide variety of local businesses. Includes a page of recipes and information for emergency services. city of bendigo, city of bendigo commerce

The first all transistor hearing aids appeared in 1953. They were created to replace vacuum tubes; they were small, required less battery power and had less distortion and heat than their predecessor. The vacuum tubes were typically hot and fragile, so the transistor was the ideal replacement. The size of these transistors led to developments in miniature, carbon microphones. These microphones could be mounted on various items. There were body hearing aids where the earpiece was connected to the hearing aid and battery pack worn on the body. Ear level hearing aids consisted of eyeglass, behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), and in the canal (ITC, CIC) hearing aids. A Universal hearing aid supplied by Angus & Coote Hearing Aids. Universal Hearing Aids were manufactured by British Hearing Aids (Aust) P/L. Includes ear mould for right ear. In a teal leather box. ""Universal"/Mod 73-824" on back of pack. "Angus & Coote/HEARING AIDS" on inside of case.

The Universal Stereoscope was used to view overlapping stereo aerial photography in three dimensions (3D). It consists of magnifying lenses, an optical train including glass prisms and mirrors that are protected by sliding metal covers, all suspended on a pair of fold out adjustable legs. The Universal Stereoscope was produced in Australia in 1940 for military use and has its protective wooden box. It was used extensively by members of the Australian Army Survey Corps during WWII in many theatres of war for viewing and annotating aerial photography. See also photograph at 6205.6P. 6205.1P shows the Universal Stereoscope in use by Royal Australian Survey Corps annotating Aerial Photography.6599.1 Wooden Box that contains a Universal Stereoscope. 6599.2 Open Wooden Box showing a folded Universal Stereoscope. A dark green wooden box containing a Universal Stereoscope with spare mirrors. The Universal Stereoscope was used to view overlapping stereo aerial photography in three dimensions (3D). It consists of magnifying lenses, an optical train including glass prisms and mirrors that are protected by sliding metal covers, all suspended on a pair of fold out adjustable legs. The stereoscope is painted a dark green colour."DC 1940" "Serial (Number) - 239 D>D"royal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt

Hardback; xiv; 70 pages; 97 colour maps; 12 pages advertising including message on Road Safety by Chief Commissioner of Police Inside cover "Fhin McPhee Whittlesea"melbourne maps

This meat mincer was a common kitchen utensil used by housewives for the preparation of meat when cooking food for their familiesA 'Universal' steel, meat mincer with clamp to attach to table or bench, funnel top, and an adjustable screw - to cut meat - that is operated by a steel crank with a wooden handle.Front ; 2 'Universal' Crank arm : L.F&C. NEW BRITAIN, CONN, USAearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, housewives, home cooking, meat preparation, thatcher frank, l f & c pty ltd conneticut, butchers

Universal Theatre Newsletter featuring Universal Theatre at the athenaeum good conditioncontains advertisements for 'the Australian Greek Festival including Description of Australian performances in this time as well as Gerry Connolly in men and women of Australia as the brass band for the melbourne international comedy festivalthe nylons in concert, universal theatre, melbourne athenaem theatre

The Universal Stereoscope was used to view overlapping stereo aerial photography in three dimensions (3D). It consists of magnifying lenses, an optical train including glass prisms and mirrors that are protected by sliding metal covers all suspended on a pair of fold out adjustable legs. The stereoscope is coloured military olive drab green. This Universal Stereoscope was produced in Australia in 1940 for Military use. It was originally produced with a timber protecting carry box that is missing. It was used extensively by members of the Australian Survey Corps during WWII in many theatres of War for viewing and annotating aerial photography. Item 6205.6P, photograph 6205.1P shows the Universal Stereoscope in use by the Australian Survey Corps annotating aerial photography.The Universal Stereoscope was used to view overlapping stereo aerial photography in three dimensions (3D). It consists of magnifying lenses, an optical train including glass prisms and mirrors that are protected by sliding metal covers all suspended on a pair of fold out adjustable legs. The stereoscope is coloured military olive drab green."DC-1940 Serial No 550", "D V D", "Made in Australia" Plate on the underside reads " This stereoscope was donated to the Ex Fortuna Survey Association by the Eaglehawk Recycle Shop February 2015"royal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr

Landers, Frary & Clark was a housewares company based in New Britain, Connecticut. The firm traced its origins to 1842, when George M. Landers and Josiah Dewey entered into a partnership named Dewey and Landers, which manufactured various metal products. The company was reorganized as Landers, Frary & Clark in 1862. The firm produced a variety of household products and appliances, including many electric appliances. Some of Landers, Frary & Clark's most successful products included the Universal Bread Maker, the Universal Food Chopper, and the Coffee Percolator. In 1965, the majority of the Landers, Frary & Clark was taken over by the J.B. Williams Company of New York, the food chopper division was acquired by the Union Manufacturing Company, and the electrical appliance operations was purchased by General Electric. The mixer consists of a bowl made of tinned iron with accessories including wire twin beaters, a dough hook, a table /bench clamp, and a handle with a wooden hand grip. An arched cross bar attached to the top of the pan with wing nuts holds the handle and beaters or hook in place when in use. Manufacturer and patent information is inscribed on the cross bar.On the cross piece: UNIVERSAL/CAKEMAKER/PATENTED/JAN.14,96.APRIL18,05./JULY.18,05.NOV.7,05 LANDERS,FRARY/CLARK/NEW BRITAIN/CONN/USAdomestic appliances, cooking utensils

The first all transistor hearing aids appeared in 1953. They were created to replace vacuum tubes; they were small, required less battery power and had less distortion and heat than their predecessor. The vacuum tubes were typically hot and fragile, so the transistor was the ideal replacement. The size of these transistors led to developments in miniature, carbon microphones. These microphones could be mounted on various items. There were body hearing aids where the earpiece was connected to the hearing aid and battery pack worn on the body. Ear level hearing aids consisted of eyeglass, behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), and in the canal (ITC, CIC) hearing aids. Hearing aid with Pink and silver metal pack with attached wire to ear piece. Uses (A) battery. Ear piece moulded for wearer with dials for adjustments. In original box. Transitone and Universal Hearing Aids were manufactured by British Hearing Aids (Aust) P/L. Model 61T. NoV848 "TRANSITONE & UNIVERSAL/HEARING AIDS/BRITISH HEARING AIDS (AUST) P/L" printed on fabric inside lid of box. Inside battery compartment, label "MODEL 61T" ('T' handwritten) "V848" inscribed on hinge.

Fives copies of Universal Weekly was a magazine for Motion Picture exhibitors. Used by Keith Rash / Gem Pictures. Five copies of the Magazine 'Universal Weekly' and a publicity flyer. .1) 32 page magazine dated 17 August 1929 with Ken Maynard on the cover. It includes information on Broadway, Showboat, The wagon Master, Girl Overboard, Universal, Scotland, College Love. .2) .1) 32 page magazine dated 20 July 1929 with George Lewis and Dorothy Gulliver on the cover. Contents include College Love, Show Boat, The Drake case, Wagon Master, The Ace of Scotland Yard, Melody Lane. .3) 32 page magazine dated 24 August 1929 with Hoot Gibson on the cover. Contents include: Points West, Show Boat, The Ace of Scotland Yard, College Love, Wagon Master, Early to Wed, The Danger Line. .4) 32 page magazine dated 02 November 1929 with Paul Whitman on the cover. Contents include: All Quiet on the Western Front, Skinner Steps Out, Rhapsody in Blue, Shanghai Lady, Out to Kill, The College Racketeer, La Marseillaise, The Phantom of the Opera, The Mississippi Gambler, Skinner Steps Out, Uncle Tom's Cabin, The Wagon Master. .5) 32 page magazine dated 15 March 1930 with Cohens and Kellys Scotland on the cover. Contents include: The Storm. Hide Out, Phantom of the Opera, Showboat, Jade Box. .6) Small promotional flyer for Carl Laemmle's 'The Last Performance'. ken maynard, broadway, carl laemmle, news reels, mary nolan, john boles, louis cohen, eddie leonard, jack daugherty, frank merrill, gershwin. wynn holcomb, lupe velez, william boyd, tod brownning, e.m. asher, albert de mond, graham mcnamee, helen wright, gem pictures, wagon master, s.s. majestic, h.h. van loan, show boat, george sidney, charlie murray, jocelyn lee, carl larmmle, pennants, george lewis, the drake case, harry taylor, eddie leonard, josephine dunn, minstrels, newsreels, theatre, movies, graf zeppelin, paul whitman, the king of jazz revue, glenn tryon, merna kennedy, the shannons of broadway, bob shawkey, charles d. dawes, the college racketeer, charles rickford, fred kohler, raymond hutton, hell's heroes, the mississippi gambler, james murray, kathryn crawford, ted browning, joan marsh

Seven different coloured covered small paperback textbooks of Applied Psychology - How to Change your Life, Lessons 1 - 22 over the seven books. There is no author listed. On the front covers is the title Applied Psychology Lessons 1,11, 111, & 1V, all the way to 22 printed in black lettering. At the bottom of the front covers Universal Opportunity League is printed in black lettering. On the back cover of the first volume is a round circle with a lion symbol at the edge and inside the circle is printed - Wholly set up and printed in Australia by J. Roy Stevens Printer 1-7 Knox Place. Melbourne. The other six volumes have an intertwined UVO symbol printed in black in the middle. Publisher details are at the bottom. Varying numbers of pages.non-fictionWritten on the title page under the title, 'How to Change your Life is - A Course in Psychology as Applied to Personal Efficiency, Health, Happiness and Achievement. Lessons,1, 11, 111, & 1V Copyright' There are seven different books of lessons.psychology, self-help, life

Photography light meter with attached cloth strap.Weston Master Universal Exposure Meter model S74/715, on rear D2171. photography, artifact

The People's Cyclopedia of Universal Knowledge Author: W.H. De Puy, A.M., D.D., Publisher: C.A.Hawkins & Co Date: 1881Front loose end paper has handwritten name, in pencil, that reads J. M. Peter, Brook Street, Camperdown. Sept. 6th '93flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, book, the people's cyclopedia of universal knowledge, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool public library

Manufactured R.N.A.W Perth. Ser No.55 Date :28.08.58

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Universal Geography Vol 2 France and Switzerland Author: Éllisée Reclus Edited by E.G. Ravenstein Publisher: JS Virtue & Co Label on spine cover with typed text PAT F 910 REC Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Contents page has a stamp from the Warrnambool Public Museumwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the universal geography vol 2, éllisée reclus, e.g. ravenstein

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Universal Geography Vol 4 The British Isles Author: Éllisée Reclus Edited by E.G. Ravenstein Publisher: JS Virtue & Co Label on spine cover with typed text PAT F 910 REC Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Contents page has a stamp from the Warrnambool Public Museumwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the universal geography vol 4, éllisée reclus, e.g. ravenstein

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Universal Geography Vol 3 Austria - Hungary, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands Author: Éllisée Reclus Edited by E.G. Ravenstein Publisher: JS Virtue & Co Label on spine cover with typed text PAT F 910 REC Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Contents page has a stamp from the Warrnambool Public Museumwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the universal geography vol 3, éllisée reclus, e.g. ravenstein

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Universal Geography Vol 1 Southern Europe (Greece, Turkey in Europe, Rumania, Servia,Italy,Spain and Portugal) Author: Élisée Reclus Edited by E.G. Ravenstein Publisher: JS Virtue & Co Label on spine cover with typed text PAT F 910 REC Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Contents paper has a stamp from the Warrnambool Public Museumwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the universal geography vol 1, élisée reclus, e.g. ravenstein